Infrastructure investment has been big news in 2014. The Victorian Labor Opposition has ignited debate with the launch of its Project 10,000 transport alternative, which includes an ambitious plan for Melbourne Metro Rail. We recently sat down with Tim Pallas, Shadow Treasurer, who shared with us some insights on the Project.

Do you have a person (business/political leader, writer, philosopher) you admire and why?Tim: Sir John Monash – not only a great civil engineer as well as Australia’s greatest military commander, but also a person with admirable dedication to community service, such as through his responsibility for returned and injured soldiers as Director-General of Repatriation and Demobilisation or as head of the SECV whose motto was to “…equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit but for the benefit of the whole community.”

What is the best deal you have ever done?Tim: I was the Minister responsible for securing the first public-private partnership after the Global Financial Crisis with Peninsula Link, which was a difficult process – as well as the development of AAMI par, a $278 million project providing Melbourne with a high quality venue for soccer, rugby league and rugby union.

Do you have any regrets in business and what did you learn?Tim: Not filling every minute with 60 seconds’ worth of activity while I had the privilege of being a Minister in the Victorian Government – because I learned that this unique opportunity to make a real difference can be taken away very quickly.

How do you feel about Project 10,000? What doubts or certainties do you entertain?Tim: Labor’s Project 10,000 will:

• Remove our 50 worst level crossings
• Build Melbourne Metro Rail
• Get 5,000 trucks a day off the West Gate Bridge
• Guarantee $2 billion for country and suburban roads
• Create 10,000 construction jobs
In 2014, we will give Victorians a very clear choice. Our commitments are fully funded and don’t rely on a cent of Denis Napthine’s East West money. They are critical to our State’s future and they will only happen under an elected Victorian Labor Government.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?Tim: The best advice I have ever received was from my father, who passed on to all his children his personal mantra: ‘If you do give more than you get, you may never be rich but you will always know the true value of things’.